If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Re: 2007 Draft Wishlist

BA Draft tracker was updated today, with a HS catcher shooting up the rankings. Tell me this guy doesn't sound right up the Reds' alley. I just wish his name was Phil.

16. Devin Mesoraco, c, Punxsutawney (Pa.) HS (30)
The more players who slide out of the top 10 picks based on signability, the better for Mesoraco, who has asserted himself as a first rounder who was expected to sign quickly for slot money anywhere in the first 30 picks. "He, like Mills, could go in in the top 15 picks, and maybe a plan B as high as nine or 10," an AL scouting director said.

The video of this guy running is pretty funny -- arms flailing, legs spinning, he barrels ahead. Not sure what I think about him as a prospect -- though I do want the Reds to spend some $$$ on catching in this draft -- but I know he'd be entertaining to watch on the basepaths.

"Baseball is a very, very complex business. It's more of a people business than most businesses." - Bob Castellini

Furbush was a huge disappointment this season relative to reputation. Maybe he will put it back together again as a pro.

I haven't seen enough of the high school players to really tout any of them. I have no objections to HS picks early in a draft because usually those guys have obvious projectable talent (Bruce, Bailey). However, I can already envision the Reds taking a HS athlete (Lewis from a few years ago, Reed last year) in the first four or five rounds who will end up as a huge bust. I prefer the polish and maturity of college kids,

Re: 2007 Draft Wishlist

The problem with the baseball draft and it's comp picks is that a team like the Giants have 3 first round picks and 3 sup. picks and the Reds have to wait until the 3rd round before they get the Gaints pick for a type A free agent. The Reds should have been able to get the first pick avib. of the Giants which should have been pick #29. Instead of dropping to the 3rd round.

Re: 2007 Draft Wishlist

For the #15 pick, let me comb through the BA top 30 and set basic yes/no groupings (obviously yours may vary). Drop the "no" guys, subtract out the "yes" guys who get taken 1-14 and the remainder is the guys I'd be considering at #15.

YES

David Price - Not an issue, he won't be there.
Matt Wieters - Could drop because of Boras.
Josh Vitters - Supposedly the Pirates love him at #4.
Rick Porcello - Can't imagine he'd be around at #15, but I'd take him if he was.
Mike Moustakas - See Porcello.
Ross Detwiler - I'm a sucker for tall lefty pitchers.
Jason Heyward - Bat, tools, sigh.
Jarrod Parker - Blasting up the charts thanks to possibly the best heater in the draft.
Beau Mills - Hits ball hard.
Matt Dominguez - Power + defense = tasty pick.
Julio Borbon - The next Johnny Damon? As a Reds fan, I naturally trust all players named Borbon.
Matt LaPorta - Will be the first hitter from this draft to have big league impact.
Casey Weathers - Could he be closing next season?
Michael Main - Fast arm, good change, excellent athlete.
Nick Schmidt - Good pitcher and his 6'7" frame may mean he'll be adding velo.
Kevin Ahrens - Polished HS hitter.
Michael Burgess - SS with crazy fast bat.

Board Moderators may, at their discretion and judgment, delete and/or edit any messages that violate any of the following guidelines: 1. Explicit references to alleged illegal or unlawful acts. 2. Graphic sexual descriptions. 3. Racial or ethnic slurs. 4. Use of edgy language (including masked profanity). 5. Direct personal attacks, flames, fights, trolling, baiting, name-calling, general nuisance, excessive player criticism or anything along those lines. 6. Posting spam. 7. Each person may have only one user account. It is fine to be critical here - that's what this board is for. But let's not beat a subject or a player to death, please.

Thank you, and most
importantly, enjoy yourselves!

RedsZone.com is a privately owned website and is not affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds or Major League Baseball